Usually the Linea Negra appears during the second trimester; in or about the fifth month of pregnancy, and is more common among dark skinned women than lighter skinned women.

This dark line that appears in pregnancy is perfectly normal and is thought to be caused by hormonal changes in the body that increase melanin production.

A majority of women experience this, and though for most it disappears after pregnancy, for many women it never fades completely.

It may also be accompanied by other changes such as brown splotchy patches on the face (cloasma or the mask of pregnancy), freckles, darkened nipples, moles, and other signs of hyperpigmentation.

One should take care to have enough folic acid during pregnancy; its deficiency is known to be associated with hyperpigmentation. Also limit sun exposure since that can also cause such discoloration of the skin.

Tradition has it, that if one has their Linea Negra extend from the pubic bone right up to the rib cage, then you’re having a boy; and if the line ends at the belly button then it’s a girl you’re carrying. It is seen to be true about half of the time!

A study was conducted at the Hebrew University (HU) Medical School which found that a process occurs only during pregnancy. The study examined the restorative effect on the liver in this case.

Pregnant mice were observed to have quicker healing of their damaged livers.

Similarly older mice were seen to benefit by this same process and development of certain compounds in the body, even those older mice that were not pregnant.

These same compounds could benefit us by helping to heal the organs of the body that deteriorate with old age. The researchers were able to understand and imitate the restorative and regenerative process that takes place during pregnancy.

However, this process is far from being developed for actual use. Researchers have said that any drug development process could take ten or more years from today.

Source: Israel21c

Sometimes it can manifest itself by way of the mask of pregnancy; also known as Chloasma or Melasma. This is usually a butterfly shaped patch on the face and it may also manifest itself on other parts of the body such as the arms. Chloasma can get worse with successive pregnancies.

Many women experience hyper pigmentation in the form of the linea nigra that forms in the middle of the abdomen during pregnancy. The linea nigra originates at the navel and extends down to the pubic bone, seems to bisect the abdomen into two perfect halves.

The pigmentation of darker areas of the body will become more concentrated during this time. So, if a woman has freckles or moles, she will find that these markings will become darker and more prominent at this time.

Even those women who do not experience noticeable conditions like Chloasma will most often notice a darkening of the nipples and aureoles as well as the genital area during pregnancy.

Most forms of hyperpigmentation fade and disappear soon after childbirth and are nothing to worry about.

Researchers have now clarified that it isn’t ‘baby brain’ or pregnancy that causes women to feel a little foggy and find concentration difficult.

According to one of the researchers it could be due to the many pregnancy manuals and books that tell a woman to expect to feel some memory and cognition problems during pregnancy.

Rather this phenomenon is explained as being a ‘shift of focus’ where in pregnant women shift focus towards the impending birth and away from work related matters. The fact that pregnant women are more tired and easily fatigued could be a contributing factor; which impacts the ability to concentrate. So it all may be due not so much to “baby brain,” as “baby on the brain!”

There are many women however who will swear to the fact that pregnancy did indeed affect their brain and Carol Vorderman here make a very good case made for ‘Mumnesia’. Yet another one swears to being a ‘Preghead’ and questions the researcher’s assertions that no such thing as a ‘Nappy Brain’.

So, if, when pregnant, you find your mind addled enough to put your iron in the fridge or if the fresh carton of eggs ends up in the garbage while a frantic hunt for them is on, then you are in good company. Regardless of the reasons that may be propounded for it, many pregnant women do experience some amount of forgetfulness.

Some women wonder if perhaps that there is something wrong or if all is going well with their baby.

Fact is feelings of tiredness, lower energy levels, feelings of lassitude are all common during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, almost every system in the body is taxed and is having to work harder than before. Reserves of energy are being called upon, the heart having to work harder, a lot is happening in the body that was not before.

Many women seem to need more sleep during pregnancy, and this is due to hormones, particularly progesterone, which can cause one to feel sleepier and less energetic. So if you find yourself nodding off earlier in the evening or want sleep longer in the morning, it is likely just the progesterone!

The tiredness is particularly acute during the first trimester because the body is getting used to the pregnancy, there is likely nausea to contend with and the placenta is being formed.

This should ease up during the second trimester, but by the last trimester you are again likely to feel tired as the sheer size and weight of the baby creates physical pressure as well as new aches and pains.

It is estimated that 75 to 90 per cent women develop some stretch marks during pregnancy.

So can you prevent stretch marks and once having got them can you get rid of them? The answer to that is, partly or somewhat yes.

Many creams and lotions promise that application during pregnancy on the belly or affected area during pregnancy can prevent the formation of stretch marks.

One study has shown that while you cannot prevent stretch marks altogether, the use of products containing Centella asiatica (Gotu kola or Asiatic pennywort) extract, vitamin E, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates was shown to limit the appearance of stretch marks to a noticeable extent.

The fact is that stretch marks do fade and become less visible, even in some cases practically invisible with passage of time this can take months to years for them to disappear.

What is important is the nature of your stretch marks and your skin type. Also the ability your body has to heal will determine the appearance and disappearance of stretch marks.

If your body is a very efficient healer and you rarely see any scars from prior injuries or wounds; chances are your stretch marks will behave similarly. Topical creams may help speed up that process; however they cannot make the stretch marks disappear altogether.

Exfoliation can help, as can certain treatments such as skin peels or laser treatments for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. While some treatments can be expensive, some can also be painful.

Since however there is no real way to ‘repair’ damaged skin fibers, which is what stretch marks actually are, it could take cosmetic surgery to actually get rid of them.

This can actually remove the affected skin from the area and also pull the skin taut by tightening it, which can help to reduce the appearance of the stretch marks.

So whether you decide to get some treatment or not, do remember that stretch marks do fade with time and become far less obvious and visible.

Also remember that most people have them though some manage to hide them by some or other artifice. If however stretch marks are just something that you cannot seem to live with, then you can discuss your options with an expert.

For the most part, having an orgasm during one’s pregnancy is quite safe; it is also the opinion of some experts that it may actually be beneficial.

Some women experience orgasm for the first time during pregnancy, due to the increase in sensitivity and enlargement of the genital area. For many others the orgasm is likely to be more intense and pleasurable than ever before.

Since the orgasm causes the uterus to contract, generally speaking, as the uterus grows bigger with the baby, the more intense and bigger is the orgasm experienced.

The reason why some experts opine that an orgasm is good for the mother and baby is that it gives the mother obvious sexual satisfaction, but it also causes more blood to flow to the uterus, bringing more nutrient rich blood to the baby for its nourishment.

Orgasms during pregnancy should be avoided if a woman has any of the following problems:

• problems with preterm labor
• an incompetent cervix,
• placenta previa,
• if the contractions lasts beyond intercourse and for a considerable amount of time thereafter.

Fact is, a woman’s sex drive during her pregnancy could swing to either extreme or not change much from what is normal in her non-pregnant state.

The hormones of a pregnant woman are typically all over the place during the time that she is pregnant, which will determine whether she finds the intimacy of sexual intercourse unwelcome or whether she has the best sex of her life.

Either way it is important for her partner to be sensitive and accommodative about this. If a woman is disinclined or even experiences discomfort or pain then it is important to clear the air; perhaps the couple can engage in other kinds of physical intimacy, such as stroking or massage and engage more in the kind of intimacy that comes from expressing feeling, emotions and thoughts.

It isn’t just the partner, the pregnant woman also needs to be sensitive about the feelings and needs of her partner, and should explain her point of view while attempting to be as accommodative as possible. Read more about sex during pregnancy here.

For some women this takes the form of melasma or chloasma, commonly called the mask of pregnancy, which are dark, blotchy areas of skin.

Other women will find the skin that is already pigmented, such as freckles, will become even darker.

Some women also develop a linea nigra, a dark line running from their belly button toward their pubic bone. Women with darker skin are more prone to increased pigmentation. These are all normal skin changes.

Here are some things you can do to manage these skin pigmentation changes while you are pregnant.

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher every day. Remember that you can get significant accumulated exposure doing simple daily tasks, such as walking to your car, checking the mail, or even sitting near a window indoors. Make sunscreen a lifetime habit; your skin will thank you.
• Treat your skin gently. Avoid harsh cleansers and creams. During pregnancy, use hypoallergenic products, or products for sensitive or irritated skin.
• Do not use skin bleaching products. Skin pigmentation changes that happen during pregnancy usually fade away after delivery. Be patient; it may take a while.
• It is OK to use concealer to cover up pigmentation changes.
• Do not use skin products containing Vitamin A.

These fluids, which are responsible for the swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles, can also cause vision changes.

Because your eyeball is filled with fluid, the shape of your eyeball can change, causing changes in your vision.

When you are pregnant, your estrogen levels also change, which can lead to dry, irritated eyes.

If you wear glasses, you may find they no longer work as well as they did before you conceived.

If you wear contacts, you may find they become uncomfortable. Because these vision changes usually resolve shortly after your baby is born, it may not make sense to go to the expense of getting a new vision correction prescription; that will depend on how much your eyes change and the type of work you do.

If your eyes are dry, moisturizing eye drops can usually relieve any discomfort. Also remember to stay hydrated. When you are outdoors, always wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

You should mention any changes in vision to your obstetrician. Most vision changes are a normal side-effect of pregnancy, but they can also signal serious pregnancy complications.

If you notice blurred or dimmed vision, or if you see spots or floaters, call your doctor right away. If you experience any pain in your eyes, especially if it is accompanied by a headache, call your doctor right away.